VP accuses BJP of changing statement on CD issue

The convenor of the Jan Morcha and former Prime Minister VP Singh has accused the BJP of changing its statement related to the controversial CD issue.

He said, "The man, who designed the CD, is being threatened with dire consequences by the BJP leaders."

The Morcha leader said that action should be initiated against the BJP for violating the model code of conduct.

"The Election Commission of India has the right to derecognise any political party for being engaged in irregularities to influence the voters," he said and further added that many MPs and MLAs had already been disqualified from the Houses earlier on intervention of the EC.

Talking to mediapersons in Varanasi on Tuesday, VP Singh urged the Union Government to issue a white paper to make it clear whether the RSS and SIMI were terrorist outfits. He made this demand in connection with the recent statement of Samajwadi Party (SP) Vice President Janeshwar Mishra that the RSS and SIMI were terrorist outfits.

In response to a query over campaigning by Bollywood stars, he said, it weakens the democracy when people flock to the stars instead of politicians. However, he made it clear that Bollywood star Raj Babbar was an active member of the Morcha and a political figure for a long time.

Singh predicted that the Morcha would register an impressive presence in the ongoing assembly polls in the state.

"The Jan Morcha is contesting 150 assembly seats on its own while coalition partners are in fray in the remaining constituencies," he said.

Focusing on the election manifesto and priorities of the Morcha, VP Singh said the Morcha was in favour for formation of a 'youth council' headed by the chief minister. The council would focus on their problems of unemployment and education.

He said that after coming to power, the Morcha would abolish the MLAs' development funds to check the misuse of funds. The party would also hold public hearing to get acquainted with the working of its MLAs.

Singh stressed the need for providing foodgrains to the Dalits below the poverty line at the rate of Rs 1 kg instead of Rs 2. Besides, the rate of Rs 3.65 for 1 kg foodgrains to the BPL card-holder should be Rs 2 50 for one kg.